Editor Jessica Hammerman gives you really simple tricks to improve your writing. Using the phrase “Began to” undermines the action of your verb! Remove this crutch from your writing for more active sentences and livelier prose. Many authors hesitate to make their characters really act, and so “began to” seems like a nice intermediary to set up the action, but that’s exactly what your reader will experience as well. Instead of creating a set up, follow the action dynamically! This little change will help you emphasize verbs and clarify your writing. Get rid of “began to” to make your writing more exciting!